Free Theatreland Walking Tour: The History of the West End

Beginning in the bustling charm of Covent Garden and ending near Trafalgar Square, this immersive walking tour explores over 300 years of theatre history, from candlelit stages to the neon glow of Shaftesbury Avenue.

Please be aware that this tour doesn’t include entry into any theatres, but together we will embark on a walking tour through the heart of London’s glittering West End to explore its origins and the key players who shaped it!

Led by a passionate guide, this chronological journey through Theatreland will take you behind the curtains of iconic venues such as the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the oldest theatre site in London, steeped in stories of drama, royalty, and rumoured hauntings. Stand in awe outside the grand Lyceum Theatre, the one time abode of Bram Stoker and today the home of Disney’s The Lion King.At the Savoy Theatre, the walking tour will stop to discuss the trail blazing work of Richard D’Oyly Carte which led to the Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas, laying the groundwork for today’s world famous Musical Theatre scene.

But not all our stories are about the West-End’s great successes. Outside The Vaudeville Theatre your theatre tour guide will recount the story of William Terrace, whose life was tragically cut short, after a feud with a fellow actor.

As the walking tour moves down Shaftesbury Avenue, the very heart of Theatreland, you’ll hear stories of musical revolutions, wartime entertainment, and dazzling stagecraft. Outside of the Prince of Wales Theatre, home to the iconic Book of Mormon, the tour group will learn how the arrival of first radio and later film threatened to end the West End for good, but that the work of tireless campaigners helped to preserve the beautiful historic theatres that we still see today.The theatre walking tour culminates outside His Majesty’s Theatre, the very lair of The Phantom of the Opera, the most successful of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s many stage hits!

Throughout this free walking tour, you’ll uncover the backstage secrets of famous actors, visionary directors, brilliant set designers, era defining architects and iconic shows that shaped British theatre.

Whether you're a lifelong theatre lover or a curious wanderer, this theatre walking tour promises drama, delight and a touch of theatrical magic at every turn.

Book now and let Theatreland take centre stage!

We do not accept any groups larger than 6, or any educational groups or organisations. If you would like to book a private tour, please email us at admin@londonwithalocal.com. If you have more than 6 people and have booked across multiple bookings, you will not be able to join the tour and will be turned away.